Synagogue Updates

Good morning,

This is an early Sunday check-in so I can remind you of day lights savings time and our scholar-in-residence Rabbi David Golinkin at 9:45am. Zoom link here. 

This morning, I have the privilege of speaking to our sixth and seventh grade Religious School classes about the upcoming election. I will be letting them know about a synagogue's role as a non-partisan organization, but one that is able to talk about issues. We will be talking about what issues might concern the Jewish community. And I will be sharing Pirke Avot 5:17 with them: 

"Every dispute that is for the sake of Heaven, will in the end endure; But one that is not for the sake of Heaven, will not endure. Which is the controversy that is for the sake of Heaven? Such was the controversy of Hillel and Shammai. And which is the controversy that is not for the sake of Heaven? Such was the controversy of Korah and all his congregation."

As we all know, our society is very divided right now, and all too often, our arguments are about winning and losing and not for the sake of heaven. As a community, we will be continuing our focus on Mitzvah Kallot in November - specifically looking at how we can help others in our community, to bring light onto others. 

Here are a few simple options for how we can all help others over the coming weeks:

1. Donate to the Ardmore Food Pantry or Narberth Food Bank. They provide for many members of our greater community during the holidays and the entire year. 
2. Volunteer to make a pie, cookies or other dessert that we will deliver to members of our congregation on Thanksgiving weekend. Please let me know if you are interested (a separate email will be going out for recipients and sharing about all of our initiatives to bring people together virtually and in person during the holidays)
3. Drop off new or gently used backpacks or rolling suitcases to the synagogue that will be delivered to a church working with the homeless on Thanksgiving. Drop off deadline is Friday, November 20th.
4. Volunteer to make Thanksgiving and holiday calls to our community (if you have already volunteered to make calls, we will be in touch with names shortly for you)
5. Volunteer to help elderly residents in Northeast Philly with yard cleanups on Sunday, November 15th: https://jfcsphilly.volunteerhub.com/lp/NEClean/
6. JFCS is doing grocery deliveries throughout November:  https://jfcsphilly.volunteerhub.com/lp/groceries/

It is getting dark earlier in the evenings and many people are feeling very anxious. Help us to have a positive impact on the world around us and to brighten someone's day. We will share more as the month goes on. In the meantime, if there is any way that we can support or help you, please let us know. 

Wishing you a great Sunday and hoping you enjoyed your extra hour of sleep!

Ken 
513 503 9559